While cell phone use is not prohibited, as a courtesy to others we ask that patrons set their cell phones to vibrate or silent while they are inside the Library. The Library reserves the right to ask patrons to leave the premises if cell phone usage interferes with the patronage of others.

If you break Library and/or Internet rules it will result in the following:

1st Offense: 2 Week Ban

2nd Offense: 1 Month Ban

3rd Offense: Banned for Life

Supervision of Children

The Twin Lakes Library System is dedicated to providing a welcoming and safe environment for patrons of all ages. A parent, guardian or other responsible adult caregivers should always accompany children in the library. Children should have a contact number for a parent, guardian or other responsible adult caregivers. Library personnel cannot be held responsible for children who are unattended or demonstrating inappropriate behavior. Children who are being disruptive will be asked to leave.

1. Children 9 and younger must have a parent, guardian or adult caregiver in the immediate vicinity of and in visual contact with the child. The adult should supervise and accompany children during program activities.

If a child in this age group is found unattended, library staff will attempt to locate the parent, guardian or adult caregiver in the library and remind him/her of the rules. If the parent, guardian or adult caregiver cannot be found, or if the child is left unattended again, the appropriate City agency will be called for assistance.

2. Children 10 and older may use the library on their own. However, parents are still responsible for their actions and well-being. These children should have a contact number for a parent, guardian or adult caregiver in case of an emergency.

Children’s Computers

1. Children 3 and under must have a parent, guardian or adult caregiver sit with them at all times when they are using the computers.2. Children 9 and under must have a parent/adult caregiver in the immediate vicinity of and in visual contact with the child.3. No food or drink is allowed at the computer station.4. No other devices may be plugged into the children’s computers.5. Patrons who don’t use the children’s computers responsibly will lose their privileges for the day.

Mandatory Reporting

As per House Bill 1176, State of Georgia law mandates reporting by any employee or volunteer at any kind of agency, business, nonprofit or other groups that work with children, of suspected child abuse or neglect.

Circulation Policies

The Twin Lakes Library System is a participating Georgia Libraries PINES (Public Information Network for Electronic Services) member library system. A program of Georgia Public Library Services (GPLS), PINES is the public library automation and lending network for more than 280 libraries and affiliated service outlets in almost 140 counties.

Obtaining a Card

In the spirit of libraries and access to information, PINES created a statewide “borderless library” that provides equal access to information for all Georgians. Georgians with a PINES library card have access to materials beyond what is available on their local shelves and enjoy the benefits of a shared collection of over 10 million books and other materials that can be delivered to their home library free of charge.

Patron Responsibility and Card Use

Like your driver’s license, social security card, or any other important documents, so too is your library card as it provides the bearer with access and responsibility for millions of dollars worth of items and services.

Signing a PINES card application denotes full acceptance of responsibility for lost or damaged materials and account activity. Therefore, report library card theft/loss and changes to your contact information (i.e., address, email, phone numbers, etc.) immediately as you are ultimately liable for the items that are checked out on your card.

A library card is required for all transactions (i.e., check out items, renew items, pay fines, use internet computers, etc.).

Many items may be renewed for two (2) additional periods, for a total of up to six (6) weeks. Items placed on hold by another patron may NOT be renewed.

Item Renewals and Online Access

Items may be renewed with your card in person, over the phone, or online. Online access permits users to place holds and do other account maintenance.

To renew items or place holds online, access the PINES online catalog, Evergreen. You will be prompted to enter your User ID (library card number) and PIN.

Contact your local PINES library if you do not have a PIN or need to have it reset. In the event of a problem, please contact your local PINES library for further assistance. Unfortunately, privacy concerns mean that we cannot give out your PIN number over the phone.

Fees and Privileges

While most of our services are free there is a nominal fee for overdue materials.

Overdue fines for most materials are 20¢ (twenty cents) per day per item. This fee is for all materials within the Twin Lakes Library System except for DVDs which have a cost of 50¢ per day per item. Overdue fines vary for materials owned by other PINES member library systems. With the exception of DVDs which have a one (1) week checkout period, all other items come with an initial two (2) week checkout period.

A patron’s card will be blocked, and no services may be obtained with it if the patron has 10 (ten) or more overdue items, and/or owes $10 or more in unpaid fines and/or fees.

Library cards cannot be renewed until all fines associated with the account are paid in full.

Accounts that are turned over to collections must be handled through the home library system of the patron.

Local Circulation Policies

The Twin Lakes Library System has local policies that are specific to the System and are likely different from policies at other PINES libraries. Please note that each PINES member library system is independently governed and will have some variances in policies and procedures. The following are

Most Twin Lakes Library System items have a 2-week checkout period and are charged a rate of 20¢ (twenty cents) per day per item that is overdue. DVDs have a 1-week checkout period and are charged a rate of 50¢ (fifty cents) per day per item that is overdue.

Patrons who are obtaining cards for their children (minors) must have a library card/account in good standing in order to do so.

Parents/Guardians of minors must specify when obtaining a card for their minor child, whether or not that child may check out “R” rated and “NC-17” rated movies.

Patrons will be charged the cost of the item PLUS a $10 (ten dollars) processing fee for each item lost. This includes magazines. All magazines have a flat $5 (five dollars) replacement cost PLUS the $10 (ten dollars) processing fee for each item lost.

Patrons incurring over $25 (twenty-five dollars) in fines or fees are subject to their accounts being turned over to collections.

Patrons may use the System’s public Internet computers if their account is active and non-delinquent (ie. free of fines/fees, not blocked or barred).

Guest passes may be used/obtain by non-Georgia residents in order to use the System’s Internet stations by presenting a valid picture ID. This privilege may be used for up to 2 weeks after which time a PINES card must be obtained.

Donations Policies

The Twin Lakes Library System accepts donations from the public at the Mary Vinson Memorial Library location only, during its regular open hours. A Deed of Gift is available upon request. Items NOT accepted by the Twin Lakes Library System include:

Magazines

Reader’s Digest condensed books

Items that are damaged, water damaged, moldy, and/or mildewed

Books missing covers

Books with pages falling out

Encyclopedias and textbooks older than 5 years and/or that are missing volumes

Homemade recordings of any kind and/or black market music or video recordings

Clothing

Other Policies

The System does also have a number of other policies not listed on our websit, but are adhered to in order to provide our patrons with consistent and efficient service. If you have any questions regarding such policies please see a member of System Administration.